UPSC Prelims 2005 Q34: Indian Economy – Infrastructure & Industry
Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?
- (a) Rourkela Steel Plant, the first integrated steel plant in the Public Sector of India was set up with the Soviet Union collaboration
- (b) Salem Steel Plant is a premier producer of stainless steel in India.
- (c) Maharashtra Elektrosmelt Ltd. is a subsidiary of the Steel Authority of India Ltd.
- (d) Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is a unit of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd.
Answer: (a) Rourkela Steel Plant, the first integrated steel plant in the Public Sector of India was set up with the Soviet Union collaboration
Explanation
Steel plants in India
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. Rourkela with Soviet collaboration | Not correct — Rourkela was set up with West German (Krupp-Demag) help; Bhilai was Soviet |
| b. Salem is a stainless steel producer | Correct |
| c. Maharashtra Elektrosmelt is a SAIL subsidiary | Correct |
| d. Visakhapatnam Steel Plant under RINL | Correct |
Statement (a) is wrong: Rourkela was built with German collaboration, while Bhilai had Soviet help.
Answer: (a) Rourkela Steel Plant, the first integrated steel plant in the Public Sector of India was set up with the Soviet Union collaboration.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Rourkela was built with West German collaboration, so this statement is not correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Salem Steel Plant does produce stainless steel.
- (c) Incorrect. Maharashtra Elektrosmelt is a SAIL subsidiary.
- (d) Incorrect. Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is a unit of RINL.
Key point
Second Plan steel plants: Rourkela (West Germany), Bhilai (USSR), Durgapur (UK).
Remember
Rourkela was built with West German collaboration.
Common mistakes
- Crediting Rourkela to the Soviet Union.
- Mixing Rourkela with Bokaro (Soviet collaboration).
- Missing that the question asks which statement is not correct.
Exam tip
Rourkela - Germany, Bhilai - Russia, Durgapur - Britain.
Sources
- Ministry of Steel — public sector steel plants
- Steel Authority of India Limited — Rourkela Steel Plant: history of the plant